Uganda tabloid names 'top' homosexuals

A UGANDAN newspaper has published a list of what it called the country's "200 top" homosexuals, outing some Ugandans who previously had not identified themselves as gay, a day after the president enacted a harsh anti-gay law.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday's signing of the bill by President Yoweri Museveni marked "a tragic day for Uganda and for all who care about the cause of human rights".

He warned that Washington could cut aid to the government of the East African nation.

"Now that this law has been enacted, we are beginning an internal review of our relationship with the Government of Uganda to ensure that all dimensions of our engagement, including assistance programs, uphold our anti-discrimination policies and principles and reflect our values," Kerry said in a statement.

The Red Pepper tabloid published the names - and some pictures - of alleged homosexuals in a front-page story under the headline: "EXPOSED!"

The list included prominent Ugandan gay activists such as Pepe Julian Onziema, who has repeatedly warned that Uganda's new anti-gay law could spark violence against homosexuals.

A popular Ugandan hip-hop star and a Catholic priest are also on the list.

Few Ugandans identify themselves publicly as gay, and the tabloid's publication of alleged homosexuals recalled a similar list published in 2011 by a now-defunct tabloid that called for the execution of gays.

Prominent Ugandan gay activist, David Kato, was killed after that list came out.

Uganda's new-anti-gay law punishes gay sex with up to life in jail, and also creates the offences of "conspiracy to commit homosexuality" as well as "aiding and abetting homosexuality".

Those convicted of "promoting homosexuality" face similar punishment.

Ugandan police spokesman Patrick Onyango said on Tuesday that no homosexuals have been arrested since Museveni signed the bill but that at least two had been taken into custody since MPs passed the bill last December.